Hippy days in a Kombi

As my daughter and I trundled along the windy Dorset coastal path in our Seventies VW camper van, I really started to get into the spirit of things.

'Cool van!' shouted a group of teenagers as I stopped to let them cross the road.

Then came the moment of truth: approaching another of these classic campers, or 'Kombis', I recalled that the etiquette is to flash your lights as you pass.

My fingers were poised - but in the excitement of the moment, I forgot where the switch was and flicked on the indicator instead.

By the end of the weekend, however, I was a dab hand, literally, and it made me realise just how many VW campers are still out there.

The golden age of the Kombi was in the Seventies, with its advertising slogan 'not just a vehicle... more a way of life'. And all these decades later, those words still hold true.

They are certainly a way of life for today's surfing community, keen to emulate the hippy vibe. But also, increasingly, families are keen to re-create the happy camping holidays of old, even though they can now afford flights to Europe or America.

And you don't have to buy one. Campers2Go in Swanage, Dorset, has a fleet of three vintage Kombis which are constantly in demand.

At £350 for a week it's not particularly cheap -but it's more luxurious than a tent, and offers flexibility and the freedom of the open road.

It's the perfect area to go on a little adventure. Enid Blyton thought so - she loved this corner of Dorset so much she returned every year.

The dramatic coastline and eery, tumbledown Corfe Castle even feature in her Famous Five books (Corfe Castle becomes Kirrin Castle and Whispering Island is modelled on Brownsea Island, just off the coast).

The furthest anyone has yet driven from the Campers2Go HQ is Perth in Scotland - and, with the vans' top speed of just 50 mph, it took them two days.

Most clients, though, are content just to pootle between local campsites (expect to pay upwards of £20 for a pitch) and local attractions, or to park along the Ferry Road in neighbouring Studland, where you can set up camp for free.

So what is a camper like to drive? Well, it's great fun. The gears take some mastering and I had an embarrassing moment where I couldn't find reverse - as I over-revved, quite a crowd formed.

In the end, I made an SOS call to the owner of Campers2Go, Brian Harries. He is quite happy to answer such calls - though it appears I am the only one to date to inquire about where to find the gears.

Once I got the hang of it, I really enjoyed the ride. There is something quite jaunty about bobbing up and down in the driving seat and turning the huge steering wheel. It really does make you feel like you are on an adventure.

Fans of modern motorhomes like to brag about their power-steering and other mod cons, but what those monstrosities don't have is the nostalgic charm of the classic camper.

The van I rented was a four-berth with a canopy roof that pushes up from the inside, spilling out of the top like puff pastry to add more headroom. You can also attach an awning for more seating or sleeping space outside.

Inside the van it's all very compact and there is everything you need apart from a toilet and fridge. Sheets and pillowcases are provided, so just bring a duvet or sleeping bag.

Brian has refurbished his vans to a high standard (they are also serviced between each rental, so the engine is tip-top) and my one-year-old daughter Amelia delighted in finding herself in this 'Wendy House on wheels'.

There is a sink, a little stove and three cupboards all stocked with everything you need, from cutlery to a kettle. The main double bed converts into a sofa by day, and there's a slide-out table too.

At night, baby Amelia really was in her element. She is still too young for the bunk-beds (which older children will love, as they are right up in the canopied roof) so I had to share the double bed with her.

Sleepy though she was, she couldn't get over the excitement that her new bedroom had windows on all sides, so she spent a good hour twitching the curtains, looking out at fellow campers.

When she finally dropped off, I nestled down with a good book. The bed is actually quite comfortable, though small, and I'm happy to report the camper van passed the real acid test: we both had a good night's sleep.

I so enjoyed our holiday I am now considering buying a Kombi of our own. My only worry is I won't have anyone to call when I can't get it in gear...

Travel facts Campers2Go has three VW camper vans for hire. For further details and availability, see the website at www.campers2go.co.uk.

Rental periods are Monday to Friday (£200), Friday to Monday (£200) or a seven-day rental for £350. There is a £100 deposit. For further information, tel: 01929 475 619.